SEARCY, Ark. – SWOSU Football fell 55-0 to No. 2-ranked Harding on Thursday evening at First Security Stadium in the first road game of the season.
The Bulldogs showed early signs of rhythm, putting together first-half drives of 7, 8, 10, and 12 plays, but were unable to capitalize on the scoreboard. After the break, SWOSU again advanced the ball on its opening possession before being held without another first down for the remainder of the game.
Harding showcased its trademark flexbone rushing attack, piling up 436 yards and six touchdowns on the ground while scoring on eight of nine possessions overall. The Bisons built a 28-0 halftime lead before adding 27 points in the second half.
Quarterback MJ Rivers completed 18-of-27 passes for 112 yards, spreading the ball to seven different receivers. Bodie Boydstun led the group with 51 receiving yards on three catches. On the ground, Rivers paced the rushing attack with 59 yards on 15 carries, followed by Red Martel with 44 yards on 11 attempts.
As a team, SWOSU totaled 215 yards of offense, with 112 through the air and 103 on the ground. 68 total yards were accumulated after halftime. The Bulldogs held a slight edge in time of possession (32:02–27:58) but struggled to finish drives, going 0-for-1 in the red zone, 4-for-15 on third down, and 1-for-4 on fourth down. All three failed fourth down conversions came in the Bisons' territory.
SWOSU (0-2) returns to action next Saturday, Sept. 20, with a road matchup against Southeastern Oklahoma State in Durant, Okla. Kickoff for week three is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.
